Navigate important conversations with our new storytime videos

Sometimes kids ask questions that are hard to answer. It's best to answer their questions with words they understand. That’s why our librarians teamed up to put together a new Storytime at Home series, Important Conversations.

This video series on our YouTube channel , opens a new windowfeatures storytimes with beloved Library staff who tackle a variety of subjects like conflict, racism, death and feeling sad.

Through carefully selected books, empathetic songs, and even the use of a puppet or two, Librarians help parents make these topics understandable for young minds. We’ve also curated resources for parents and caregivers to continue the conversation with their child once the storytime is over.  

We’ll be adding new Important Conversation videos in the future, so be sure to check back. Here are a few our Librarians have created so far just for you and your family. 

Autism

Additional resources 

How to Talk to Your Child About Their Neurodiversity from The Mighty 

Autism Spectrum Disorder , opens a new windowfrom KidsHealth 

Booklist curated by Library staff 

Conflict

Additional resources 

The "Making Space", opens a new window online video series by Christian Robinson, especially Making Space: Anger , opens a new window

Helping Kids Resolve Conflict , opens a new windowvideo from Sesame Street in Communities 

5 Strategies to Help Kids Resolve Conflict , opens a new windowfrom PBS.org 

Booklist curated by Library staff 

Death of a Pet

Additional resources 

Death of Pets: Talking to Children from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 

Booklist curated by Library staff 

Don't Touch My Hair

Additional resources 

How to Teach Children about Cultural Awareness and Diversity, opens a new window from PBS.org 

Good Hair, opens a new window; film by Chris Rock 

“Natural Hair” playlist , opens a new windowfrom The Chic Natural 

“Natural Hairstyles”, opens a new window and “Healthy Hair Tips”, opens a new window playlists from NaturalNeiicey 

Booklist curated by Library staff 

Feeling Sick

Additional resources 

Talking with Children About the Serious Illness of a Family Member from Bright Horizons 

Talking to Your Child about lllness, opens a new window from AboutKidsHealth 

Talking with Children and Youth About Serious Illness, opens a new window from Canadian Virtual Hospice 

Watch the entire CNN/Sesame Street coronavirus town hall, opens a new window from CNN 

Booklist (Coming soon!) 

Marching to Make a Difference

Additional resources 

Early Childhood Resilience Tip Sheets from Joining Forces for Children 

After a Crisis: Helping Young Children Heal, opens a new window from The National Child Traumatic Stress Network 

How to Talk to Your Kids About Injustice, Racism, and Protests, opens a new window from Healthline 

Social Justice Resources, opens a new window from The Children’s Community School 

Booklist curated by Library staff 

Whiteness and Racism

Additional resources 

How White Parents Can Talk to Their Kids About Race, opens a new window from NPR 

They’re Not Too Young to Talk About Race: An Infographic, opens a new window by The Children’s Community School 

Beyond the Golden Rule: A Parent’s Guide to Preventing and Responding to Prejudice , opens a new windowby Dana Williams 

Booklist curated by Library staff